India has done well economically: Ahluwalia

1,300 students receive certificates at Manipal University convocation

It is India’s turn now to get into the fast track,” said Deputy Chairman of Central Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

Delivering the convocation address at the Manipal University Convocation ceremony here on Monday, he said that the global financial crisis, which has had repercussions throughout he world, has also affected India. The economy grew at 9 per cent per year just before the crisis, testifying to the success of the economic reforms. India’s growth rate is expected to be around 6.5 per cent in the current year, he said and opined that the situation is however, better than what we experienced in the ten years from 1992 to 2002. We have done well compared to other countries and when the world will be on a path to recovery, our growth rate should be back somewhere between 7 and 8 per cent, he added.
Asserting that the higher education today is once more the focus of attention as we try to prepare the country for the knowledge economy, Ahluwalia said we need to expand our educational institutions and upgrade their quality. He urged the graduating students not to be concerned about the slowdown as the worst is over.
Ahluwalia launched the revamped website of Manipal University on the occasion.

Convocation degree
Over one thousand three hundred students received their graduation and post graduation certificates and another 20 research scholars their PhDs on the occasion. Also, nine under graduates and four post graduate students received gold medals for being the best outgoing students for 2008-09.
Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) Chairperson Dr Isher Judge Ahluwalia, Manipal University Chancellor Dr Ramdas M Pai, Pro Chancellor Dr H S Ballal, Vice chancellor Dr Raj Warrier and others were present.